The Australian is a fan of the WCC concept and feels the Super League teams often have some advantages.

However, on this particular occasion the relative strengths of the individuals available to the two sides makes him favour his fellow countrymen.

Brown said “I like (the World Club Challenge) and I generally lean towards thinking the English team will win for a number of reasons. For one they’re up and running and have played three or four good, solid competition games.

“Most of the Aussie sides haven’t played a game together.

“Also, in Australia, the sides generally lose three or four players at the end of winning a comp.

“The salary cap doesn’t seem to bite quite as much over here as it does back home.

“For those reasons I generally think the English teams have got a really good shot at it.

“But I’m hearing Leeds have got some injuries.

“I’m not sure where Melbourne’s at and I know they haven’t played a game together. But I know they’ve got some very, very good players in those key positions.

“It should be a good game but with Leeds having good players missing, that would make me lean towards Melbourne with Cronk, Slater and Cameron Smith.”

Winger Ben Jones-Bishop, fullback Zak Hardaker and forward Ryan Bailey are the men sidelined for the Rhinos.

On the plus side, Leeds boss Brian McDermott will be boosted by the return to action of former Great Britain prop Jamie Peacock, second row Brett Delaney and winger Joe Vickery.

Leeds have become renowned in recent years for their ability to rise to the big occasion and they will once more be looking to the experienced midfield trio of Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow to guide them to victory.

They will have their work cut out to break down a Melbourne side renowned for the quality of its defence.

Leeds are seeking a new stand-alone record of four World Club Challenge wins, in their record sixth appearance in the fixture.

The Rhinos won in 2005 (39-32 against Canterbury Bulldogs), 2008 (11-4 against Melbourne) and 2012 (26-12 against Manly Sea Eagles).

With victory, Melbourne would join the Rhinos, Wigan and Bradford Bulls on three wins each.

The Storm were previously crowned World Club Champions in 2000 (44-6 against St Helens) and 2010 (18-10 against Leeds Rhinos).

Tonight’s game will be played before a sell-out crowd and the WCC trophy will be presented by Olympic triathlon stars Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee.